JUBA—The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports on Monday lifted the suspension on community tournaments under new conditions aimed at preventing violence and maintaining order during sporting events.
The State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, on 17 August 2026, temporarily suspended community sports tournaments following a series of clashes linked to sporting activities at local playgrounds in Juba.
The ministerial order was intended to prevent further violence and maintain peace among young people participating in community tournaments.
The suspension followed clashes between teams from Cueibet and Twic counties at Munuki and Buluk playgrounds, an incident involving a firearm that raised concerns over public safety.
Bush Buse, Minister of Culture, youth, and sports, on Monday issued a new ministerial order lifting the temporary suspension of community sports tournaments, subject to new conditions.
According to Buse, the new conditions require all community sports tournaments in Juba to obtain prior approval from the ministry, with organizers coordinating matches with the Juba Football Association (JFA) and South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF).
He said the organizers should also educate supporters on proper conduct and sports regulations.
“All community sports tournaments in Juba require prior approval from the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports,” read part of the order.
“Participants must educate supporters on conduct and sports regulations. Misconduct by fans, players, or officials may lead to disqualification and damage the reputation of teams and the tournament.”
Buse said adequate security measures should be put in place to safeguard referees and technical staff.
“Complaints against officials should follow official channels; acts of harassment or violence will result in sanctions, including withdrawal of referees by the South Sudan Football Federation (JFA),” he said.
He said adequate security personnel and stewards should be deployed at all matches, while teams are encouraged to nominate members to help maintain order.
“Entry of firearms, sticks, knives, or any weapons is strictly prohibited. Security checks must be enforced at all venues. Non-compliance with security and discipline standards may lead to disciplinary actions, including suspension, expulsion, legal consequences, and termination of the tournament.”
He said all matches should be completed by September 10, 2026, to avoid disrupting the Juba Football Association League.
“Matches going beyond this period may require further authorization from the CES Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Juba Football Association to seek alternative playgrounds outside Munuki, Jamus, and Buluk.”
Buse said future tournaments within Juba City should be scheduled between June and July to avoid conflicts with leagues under SSFF and JFA.
He asked the Bahr El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament organizers to formally apologize to Munuki FC and the local community for the inconveniences caused, with damages compensated accordingly.
“They should also resolve the dispute between Cueibet and Twic prior to resuming the tournament to prevent further disruptions,” he said.
“All organizers and administrators must sign a commitment to adhere to existing laws, and tournament regulations should be clarified and strengthened to prevent conflicts arising from loopholes.”
